Formula One F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 5, 2023 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium with a medal after winning the Bahrain Grand Prix REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Considered today as the best pilot in the Formula 1 and current double champion of the highest motorsport circuit, the Dutchman Max Verstappen he retains the idea of ​​a possible retirement at an early age, as he has other plans for his future life. As a result, he analyzes his continuity once his contract with Red Bull in 2028.

Before the weekend of Grand prize of Saudi Arabiathe companion of Sergio “Checo” Perez He spoke about his present with the Austrian team and the plans he has for the future in his personal life, stressing that he has no plans to compete for several years in the Formula 1, nor compete in other types of categories, just as it did back then Fernando Alonso.

In interview for Sports Illustrated,”madmaxHe discussed his idea of ​​stepping away from professionalism by the end of 2028, when his current contract with the “red bulls”. Note that he will then be just 31 years old, an age of fullness for many riders in the “Great Circus”.

“Yes, I’m seriously thinking about it. I know I’m very lucky to drive Formula 1. I can do whatever I want, but at some point it doesn’t matter anymore. I already have a lot of plans for what I want to do. It is also a question of quality of life, there are other things in life besides Formula 1”.

Starting from this premise, in case Verstappen decides to leave his position in the maximum circuit by 2028, he would still have a chance to overtake Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher as pilot of F1 with more titles at the individual level. At 25, he can already boast of a double championship; while the two aforementioned riders have seven titles to their name.

Likewise, when asked about the possibilities of seeing him compete in other categories of motorsport in an attempt to conquer the Triple Crownwhich is to win the Monaco Grand Prix, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Indy 500. Nevertheless, the Dutch discarded any option to look for this objective.

“No, I wouldn’t. When you raced in Formula 1 and everything went well, I don’t see if the risk is worth it. Of course I want to win and it would be a great race to win. But first of all, I’ve never driven an oval. So it would take me some time to get used to it. The feeling of being involved in an accident, hitting a fence and seeing people badly injured is not worth it to me.. I would like to keep my legs.

Moreover, he expressed his disagreement with the F1 due to the increase in tours on the schedule over the past two seasons. For the current contest, 23 races will take place throughout the year, a fact that has caused the dissatisfaction of several competitors on the starting grid. “I don’t want to spend my best years physically, only in F1. With races multiplying, 23 or 24 a year is too much.”

Finally, the “Flying Dutchman” did not rule out that during this season, Lewis Hamilton there Mercedes Benz they can resume their good level and be “a badass” over the different careers.

I don’t rule out Lewis and Mercedes. They have a different philosophy and it might take a bit longer to get there. With these new cars, we don’t know which direction will give the most room for improvement.”

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